The doors of Purple Sky Palace slowly closed behind them.
For some reason, the spotless hall was now filled with much Chaotic Qi.
Su Miao walked into the great hall between Yuanshi and Tongtian, clutching one Master's sleeve in each hand like a child dragged to a parent-teacher conference.
The thrones along both sides of the hall had already been arranged, and the other Saints had all arrived and taken their seats.
Hongjun still sat high upon the Cloud Bed, Rule Chains wound around him. The golden chains of light flickered brightly and dimly across their surfaces.
Yet Su Miao inexplicably felt that those chains possessed more life than when she had seen them last. They coiled around Hongjun like living creatures, binding him and protecting him.
Hongjun's gaze descended from on high like a net being drawn tight, enveloping everyone within it.
Su Miao sensed that gaze settle upon the crown of her head, like an icy hand pressing against her skull. Yuanshi tilted slightly toward her, shielding her behind him as he led her to her seat.
Yuanshi had intended to place Su Miao between himself and Laozi, but Tongtian squeezed over and forcibly pulled her down beside him.
Su Miao felt Zhunti's gaze resting on her, as though he intended to see straight through her.
She pretended not to notice, lowering her lashes and fixing her gaze on the Cloud Brocade ribbons around her.
Jieyin discreetly touched Zhunti's arm, reminding him to mind the occasion. Zhunti came back to himself, and his expression naturally shifted into one of careless laziness.
Taking the chance, Jieyin glanced at Su Miao. His gaze swept across her face and lingered for less than an instant, as light as a dragonfly touching water, revealing no intention whatsoever.
But Su Miao happened to